Clubhouse

"It's going to happen. I remember ... when I first got in the minor leagues, people said women couldn't run a team for the fact that she can't go in the clubhouse. Well, today, some general managers don't spend much time in the clubhouse." Allard Baird Royals general manager (above), on the chances a woman will become a major league GM

This morning, the Orioles are reeling from designated hitter Wilson Betemit's right knee injury. More should be known today about the severity of Betemit's injury, but it doesn't look good. After Betemit's right knee buckled while he was running between first and second base Monday, an MRI revealed a Grade 2/3 posterior cruciate ligament tear with associated injuries. It's still unclear whether Betemit will need surgery. The injury definitely resonated through the Orioles clubhouse.

Gates open: 8:30 a.m. Post time: 10:45 a.m. Admission: General admission: $15 Clubhouse: $18 Infield: $25 in advance, $30 Preakness Day Seating capacity: New Grandstand: 6,415 Old Grandstand: 5,926 Clubhouse: 1,285 Sports Palace: 160 Standing room: 22,000 (estimate) n Infield capacity: 60,000 Terrace box seats: 3,936 Total: 99,722 Parking: General (Preakness Way and Rogers Avenue): $20 per car, $40 per bus Clubhouse preferred (Maple and Belvedere avenues): $30 per car, $135 per bus Valet: Extra $10 in Clubhouse lot Hayward Avenue preferred: $80 per car, $250 per bus Parking capacity: General spaces: 2,100 Clubhouse preferred spaces: 1,500 Valet spaces: 300 Hayward preferred spaces: 320 Betting windows: 750 (including temporary windows on Preakness Day)

On the field: The Minnesota Twins are usually aggressive on the bases, but they seemed to target Luis Polonia in this series, challenging his arm every chance they got. Scott Stahoviak lined a ball into left-center and hustled for a double. In the next inning, Chuck Knoblauch hit a soft liner down the line, and he scampered into second with a double, just ahead of Polonia's throw.In the dugout: Frankie Rodriguez retired Polonia on a grounder back to the mound in the third inning, and turned to run off the field.

On the importance of team chemistry in the Orioles' clubhouse I know that sometimes it gets overhyped, but I've long believed that this team had plenty of talent in the past, but malcontents in the clubhouse made it hard to capitalize on said talent. I've noticed in their play a difference in attitude, too. In past years, if the best players weren't playing well, the team would have given up and lost. This year, it seems they are using everything at their disposal to get the job done.

On deck The Astros are on their longest road trip of the season, 10 games leading to the All-Star break. He said it "I just got traded to the Brazilian team." Eddie Perez, Indians catcher, who walked through the clubhouse car rying soccer balls and wearing Brazil's national jersey

Distance, purse 1 3/16 miles, $1 million Weather 40 percent chance of rain, high 74 Gates open 8 a.m. (10 a.m. for Corporate Village, Turfside Terrace and Clubhouse Turn Reserved) TV ESPN: Noon Chs. 11, 4: 5 p.m. Radio WBAL (1090 AM): 5 p.m.

Tike Redman, Orioles outfielder What are your early impressions of the atmosphere in the Orioles' clubhouse? Everybody is laid-back, but at the same time, they're all about winning. People are positive around here, which is real good. The whole atmosphere is changing.

"In 'Henry and the Clubhouse' by Beverly Cleary, Henry built a clubhouse and it is only boys who can be in the clubhouse. Ramona gets mad and Henry didn't want his friend to know he played with girls. Ramona gets in their clubhouse and messes up sometimes. I think that this book was wonderful."-- Reneasha DavenportMcCormick Elementary"I liked the classic story 'Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves' because it had lots of action. The best part was when Ali Baba found the treasure. Open Sesame was the password and there were lots of treasure and gold.